After beating Pascal by TKO in their first encounter last March in the same venue, Kovalev fought Nadjib Mohammedi later in July for another TKO win before granting Pascal a rematch.
In 2014, Kovalev faced veteran fighter Bernard Hopkins to win the IBF and WBA (Super) Light Heavyweight titles and defended his WBO light heavyweight title at the same time.
In the press conference before Saturday’s fight, both fighters chose not to engage in trash talk to hype the fight. Kovalev was content on just thanking his fans for the support he got in Montreal during their last fight saying he is excited to be back for the rematch.
But Pascal took a swipe at Kovalev for what he thought was a racial attack on him being a black fighter.
“He called me and [Adonis] Stevenson a piece of shit, because we are black. The things that Kovalev don’t know yet he is going to find out Saturday night.” Pascal said.
Pascal hired Freddie Roach late last year to help him in his effort to get back on tract after posting his third loss since turning pro in 2005.
“I’m not changing coaches for the rematch, I’m changing to get a second wind in my career,” said Pascal. “It’s all about me improving my skills and having a new voice in my ear for my next fights.” he told the Toronto Sun last year.
The winner of Pascal-Kovalev could face Andre Ward, who is moving to light heavy weight after an impressive performance in the super middleweight limit. Ward is unbeaten in 28 career fights.
